The New Zealand Skilled Migrant points system is designed to allow Expressions of Interest to be ranked in order so that the New Zealand Immigration authorities can make invitations to apply for residence to those migrants who can offer the most to New Zealand.

Points are awarded for age, having family members in New Zealand, your employment, previous work experience, and qualifications. You will need to meet the minimum threshold of 100 points to be able to lodge an Expression of Interest.

Age

Age

Points

20-29

30

30-39

25

40-44

20

45-49

10

50-55

5

Family

You gain 10 points for having close family already living in New Zealand.

Employment

Current Employment or Offer of Employment

Points

Having a job offer in New Zealand

50

Currently working in a skilled job in New Zealand for less than 1 year

50

Currently working in a skilled job in New Zealand for more than 1 year

60

Employment bonus points

Current Employment or Offer of Employment

Points

In an identified future growth area

10

In an area of absolute skills shortage

10

In a region outside Auckland

30

Partner/spouse has a skilled job or job offer.

20

Work experience in skilled employment

Duration

Points

2 years

10

4 years

15

6 years

20

8 years

25

10 years

30

Bonus points for work experience in New Zealand

Duration

Points

1 year

5

2 years

10

3 years +

15

Bonus points for work experience in an identified future growth area

Duration

points

2-5 years

10

6 years +

15

Bonus points for work experience in an area of absolute skills shortage

Duration

points

2-5 years

10

6 years +

15

Qualifications

Qualification Level

Points

4-6 (such as a trade qualification or diploma)

40

7-8 (such as a Bachelor's degree)

50

9-10 (such as a Master's degree or doctorate)

60

Bonus points for qualifications

Qualification

Points

2 years full-time study in New Zealand completing a Bachelor's degree

10

1 year of full-time study in New Zealand completing a post-graduate degree

10

2 yeara of full-time study in New Zealand completing a post-graduate degree

15

Qualification in an identified future growth area

10

Qualification in an area of absolute skills shortage

10

Partner/spouse holds a level 4-6 qualification

10

Partner/spouse holds a level 7 qualification or higher

20

Further Information, help, and advice

Workpermit.com has over twenty years of experience helping people immigrate to countries all over the World. Whether you wish to visit, work, or study in New Zealand our specialist team of immigration experts can help you with one to one advice, information, and representation when applying for your New Zealand visa or work permit.